Lakers draw early start, Bozeman

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell ended the regular season on a hot streak, winning six straight Western AA American Legion baseball games to qualify for the state tournament, which begins Saturday in Great Falls.

The Lakers hope that momentum will now carry over as they open tournament action versus Bozeman at 9:30 a.m. at Centene Stadium.

Kalispell (30-23 overall) finished third in league play (15-9) while Bozeman, the defending state champion, was second in Eastern AA (17-7).

The Kalispell/Bozeman winner plays Sunday at 4:30 p.m. against either the Great Falls Stallions or Helena Senators. Those two teams play Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

The Kalispell/Bozeman and Great Falls/Helena losers will play Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Kalispell's earliest start for a game this season was 9:30 a.m. in tournament play in Spokane. The Lakers lost that one, 5-0 to Trail, British Columbia.

Kalispell also had a 10 a.m. game in the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament. The Lakers beat Estevan, Saskatchewan, 6-5.

The Lakers are the only team at this year's event that did not participate at state a year ago.

Kalispell competed in state in 2006 when it was also held in Great Falls. That was also coach Ryan Malmin's first year with the club.

The Lakers and Bucks did not play during the regular season.

Kalispell split a four-game series with the Stallions, both teams winning doubleheaders at home, and went 1-3 versus Helena back in May.

State festivities begin Friday night with a team banquet at the Great Falls Elks Lodge. The double-elimination tournament is a five-day event.

Tickets are: $50 for a family pass for the tournament; $25 for a senior tournament pass (two individuals); $25 for an adult single tournament pass; and $20 for a tournament pass for youngsters ages 12-18. An adult day pass is $10; for seniors and youngsters it's $5.

The Web site - www.mtaalegiontourney.org - will have up-to-date scores, schedules and statistics.

The state winner will advance to the regional tournament in Bozeman later this month. Bozeman has an automatic bye in the regional as the tournament host.

Bozeman finished third in regional play a year ago.

American Legion Baseball

AA State Tournament

At Great Falls

Centene Stadium

Saturday's Schedule

9:30 a.m. - Kalispell Lakers (15-9, 30-23) vs. Bozeman Bucks (17-7, 50-18)

12:30 p.m. - Missoula Mavericks (18-6, 48-21) vs. Billings Royals (14-8, 33-26)

4:30 p.m. - Great Falls Stallions (18-6, 38-24) vs. Helena Senators (14-10, 30-28)

7:30 p.m. - Great Falls Electrics (9-15, 21-40) vs. Billings Scarlets (19-3, 46-13)